You’ve chosen your operating system, picked the best device for you. Now it’s time to think about what else you need to be able to work – and that’s software. Whether this is for personal use, or you’re thinking about software for business owners it’s best to plan now for the essentials.
Productivity
Let’s get the ‘biggie’ out of the way.
It’s almost a given that you’re going to need something for word-processing, spreadsheets and the rest.
Based on the OS, you may have a decision to make or not.
Microsoft Office
The most well known within many companies, is available on pretty much everything.
Of course it works extremely well with Windows (Microsoft and Microsoft).
However, there’s a version for Mac.
There are apps for all of the tablets and smartphones. The apps are a simplified version, and have all the standard options, but not *all* the commands compared to the desktop.
Google Office
It’s run through a web-browser, so that makes it available on anything that has an internet connection. No help there, as that’s basically everything again.
It also has apps for the main products available on tablets and smartphones.
I need to check if the apps have everything or not.
iWork (Apple’s Office Suite)
Now finally, one that only works on an Apple Mac.
So if this is your preference, you’re talking Apple all the way.
Apps are available for the Apple products (iPhone and iPad), but there isn’t a version of the app for Android phones or tablets.
Communications
This is actually a strange ‘grouping’ as we use a range of software to communicate with.
Note: Email programs are one of our main communications options, but they are generally included as part of your productivity suite. I’m going to include them here.
Phone Calls
You might be thinking ‘duh’ on this, it’s what a smartphone is all about.
(Note so sure of that anymore, I think it’s just a feature now).
All smartphones have an installed app for calls.
Tablets can be linked to your smartphone to receive calls there.
On a laptop/desktop, you can have audio calls through a web-browser or dedicated program.
Note: I highly recommend a headset (speakers and mic), for better audio.
Many of the meeting software (below), also offer an audio only option.
Primarily an app for smartphones and tablets.
It’s available through a web-browser for the rest of the operating systems.
Note: It needs to be installed on a smartphone and connected to it, to work.
Messenger
There are a number of messenger options around, from Facebook, Apple and others that I’m sure that I’m missing.
Similar to WhatsApp, they all have their own apps available for smartphones and tablets. As well as being accessible through a web-browser on all devices.
Slack
Designed for groups, rather than specifically for 1:1 communications, Slack was/is mostly about instant messaging, but offers calls and some video. Which is why it’s in this grouping.
You can download a desktop application for Windows and Mac (not sure about Linux).
It’s available through a web-browser, and has an app for smartphones and tablets.
Skype (Personal)
Skype for Business is dead, long live MS Teams.
So this is just about the personal version, that I think a lot of people may still have.
I’m pretty sure you can still download and install a desktop version.
The app for smartphones and tablets is still available, and not forgetting it ‘for Web’ through your favourite browser.
Meetings
In today’s world online meetings are ‘everywhere’, so you’ll need something for them.
Fortunately the main ones, in use at the time of writing, do offer a free basic version.
Zoom
Download the free basic program, or use the free web-browser based version.
Note: If you can use the full versions, as the web-browser will have some limitations.
Yep, you’ve guessed it, Zoom also has official apps on all the tablets and smartphones.
MS Teams
This is more than just a meeting tool, with collaborative options as well.
There’s a free version for the main operating systems, and yes there are apps for smartphones and tablets.
Google Meet/Chat
Available through most web-browsers, the Google meeting option doesn’t need to be installed on your device and works with any operating system.
No surprise, there are apps for both options available for smartphones and tablets.
Social Media
What’s our life (business or personal) without social media? No, don’t answer that! 😆
As a general rule, for tablets and smartphones, you’ll find it easier to install and connect to the platform through the relevant app.
I prefer to use a web-browser for desktop and laptop computers.
Available through a web-browser or a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
Available through a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
Also available through a web-browser, but not all options may be available. At the time of writing you can’t post anything through the web-browser.
Available through a web-browser or a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
TikTok
Available through a web-browser or a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
Available through a web-browser or a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
Available through a web-browser or a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
Threads
Available through a web-browser or a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
YouTube
Available through a web-browser or a dedicated app on phone or tablet.
(And yep, I did copy and paste the ‘text’ onto every line, No, I did type in and format each of the platform headings.)
Social Media Adjacent
What I mean by this, is any other programs that you use to help manage social media.
Scheduling Software
If you’re not sure what I’m talking about here, take a few mins to read my post Social Media Scheduler
All of the schedulers that I mentioned in that post are available through a web-browser, which is how I used them.
The ones I mentioned (Buffer, Later and Tailwind), do have apps available for smartphones and tablets.
Graphic Editors
I’m not a graphical ‘person’ as I tend to focus on productivity apps more.
The one that I use – Canva, is available through a web-browser and as an app for smartphones and tablets.
I’ve also heard of Adobe Express (previously Spark), which can also be found as an app for smartphones and tablets, plus through your favourite web-browser.
(I’m going to get really tired of typing the same things in…)
Of course, when it comes to “full-blown” graphics programs there are a lot on the market – Adobe being one of the most well known.
These are often programs to be installed on your device – mostly Windows or Mac.
If this is something that you want/need to use, then you’ll know more about them than me.
Video Editing
This is really not a skillset that I have mastered. I’m more a single take video creator.
I know that there are quite a few on the market.
As normal (sigh) some are installed programs through Mac or Windows (noticed I switched them around this time – well Mac’s are known for their creative programs).
Not surprisingly there are a few available through a web-browser, I’ve seen adverts for the latest offering from Microsoft – ClipChamp.
Note: I haven’t used it yet, so I have no idea if it’s good or bad.
And some apps for your smartphone or tablet. CapCut (smartphone app) was recommended to me for captioning short videos.
Whatever your preferred program/app is, check that it’s going to be available for the device you’ve chosen (before you buy the device). Also, if you have a licence or subscription account, check if it’s transferable to the new device, or if you’ll need something different/extra.
Audio Editing
Technically this could be classed in the same vein as video editing, as it’s part of it. However I thought I’d mention it separately, thinking of podcasts.
I think it’s safe to say that the same things apply to audio editing as they did above with video editing.
I’m gonna be really surprised if there aren’t options online (through a browser), apps for smartphones and tablets, as well as programs for desktop and laptops.
Speciality Programs
Because I’m focused on ‘everyday programs’, I’m not going to even try to offer thoughts or suggestions on any specific apps or programs that you need.
If there is a specific program that you use all the time, or need for your role, then you are far more qualified than I, to make a decision on what is the best option to use.
I will simply say (as I have done previously), check the requirements for that software. Make sure that whatever device you are thinking of, it will allow you to run that software.
Next Steps
It’s not a comprehensive list (I can’t write that for you) but I hope that this gives you a good starting point.
Think about what you use on a daily basis, what software you need as a business owner, or what software your business needs to run.
Consider how often you use it:
- Everyday – perhaps that should be on your phone
- Weekly – on your larger device
- Monthly – on your largest device
As this could help you plan, if you have more than one device, where it should be installed.
Now it’s finally time to put everything together and into practice.
If you’re planning for the future, remember to check on the current options – tech changes so fast!
On the other hand if you are ready to make the purchase, off you go. You know what you want to buy, it’s now finding it for the right price.
Good Luck!
Other Computers 101 Posts
What computer hardware should you be looking for in a new device?
Choose the best operating systems software for you
What type of computer device suits you best?
You’re going to need some software with that new device (current post)
Do you want computer peripherals with that?
When should you think about buying a new computer? (May 22)
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